Meet the beekeepers of the mangrove forests
Members of the Cwebeni cooperative trek four kilometres to harvest honey deep in the forests of the Wild Coast
Farming
Displaced Limpopo farmers battle to make a living
Farmers had been working communal land near Phalaborwa since 2014
Pesticides are polluting Western Cape rivers all year round
Studies of three river catchments have found an association between pesticide exposure and poorer brain function in children
Harnessing Innovation toward Africa’s Inclusive Growth.
Dr Velenkosini Matsebula is a Senior Lecturer in Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School. As we commemorate Africa Day, we are reminded of the continent’s rich cultural heritage, its vibrant diversity, and its people’s resiliency. This day serves as a beacon of unity and progress for Africa. However, beneath the celebration lies a critical reflection …
Villagers stuck while government probes diversion of water from Giyani dam
Deputy water minister says investigation is still going on
Multi-skills development centre to benefit KwaSwayimane community
Multi-skills development centre to benefit KwaSwayimane community
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has officially launched a multi-skills development centre to benefit the community of KwaSwayimane in KwaZulu-Natal.
The centre is an initiative of the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) in response to requests submitted to the Minister by Inkosi SN Gcumisa of the Gcumisa Tribal Authority and uMshwathi Local Municipality Mayor, Mandla Zondi.
They had requested the Higher Education and Training Department to build a campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, or a multi-skills development centre in KwaSwayimane village.
Informed by a needs analysis, Nzimande launched a variety of SETA training interventions with a total value of R30 694 700.
Given the importance of agriculture in KwaSwayimane, AgriSETA is the lead SETA of this skills development initiative.
AgriSETA has contributed R5 000 000 towards the skills development of 800 learners in crop production, livestock farming, and has provided accreditation to the three skills centres identified in uMshwathi.
Other investments include:
- R1 830 000 contributed by Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA towards a learnership and skills programme for sewing, cabinet making and furniture making;
- R2 916 000 from the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA) contribution towards learnerships and skills programmes in digital training, mobile device repair and technical support training;
- R12 788 700 contribution from the Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA) towards artisan development and learnerships in bricklaying, carpentry, welding and electrical, and
- FOODBEV SETA contribution of R3 350 000 towards a skills programme in baking.
A total of R2 275 000 contributed by the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) will go towards skills programmes in digital skills, while R2 535 000, contributed by the Wholesale and Retail (W&R) SETA, will go towards digital skills programmes and SMME support.
Speaking at an event held at Ndlebezembuzi Hall in KwaSwayimane, Nzimande said the SETA skills development intervention will be piloted in the kwaSwayimane community, and the initial phase rollout will benefit over 2 000 community members, mostly young people who are currently not in employment, education nor training (NEET).
“This contribution by our SETAs is their collective commitment to addressing unemployment, poverty, inequality and to improving the quality of life in the community of KwaSwayimane. The contribution also symbolises the commitment of government to changing the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly our rural areas.
“We are particularly excited to be making this contribution in this community. As a department, we believe that we need to make sustainable investments in our rural areas, with the view of making them economically viable,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 13:08
262 views
Government activities for the week 20 – 24 May 2024
Government activities for the week 20 - 24 May 2024
On Tuesday, 21 May, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will visit the Thornveld farm (portion 1 of farm Welgewagd 233 KB) located in Dwaalboom farming area near Thabazimbi, Waterberg District.
On Wednesday, 22 May, the GCIS in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Brand South Africa invite members of the media to participate in a virtual panel discussion on tourism opportunities in the SADC region during Africa Month.
Also on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission officially launches the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) ahead of the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
On Thursday, 23 May, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will be hosting a roundtable discussion on Perspectives on the 30 Year Review Report and the road ahead.
From Thursday, 23 May, to Friday, 24 May, the Department of Employment and Labour will be hosting a joint interdepartmental Jobs Fair in the Limpopo province.
Janine
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:20
84 views
R1.5 million irrigation system to boost vegetable farmers
R1.5 million irrigation system to boost vegetable farmers
Vegetable farmers in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, are set to increase their agricultural productivity and income, thanks to a brand-new irrigation system received from the Provincial Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Department.
Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters handed over an irrigation system worth R1. 5 million to vegetable farmers at Nonkobe in Orange Grove village, Mthatha, in a bid to support the enterprise to access formal markets.
The enterprise has 24 members, including 18 females and six young people producing a variety of vegetables.
Pieters said the department has invested a total of R2,7 million to ensure the enterprise has good agricultural activities (GAP) certification that will allow them to sell their products to supermarkets and other places.
The enterprise was originally assisted by the Department of Social Development in 2006 and was converted from a farrow irrigation system to a sprinkler irrigation system.
Pieters said the department’s investment will ensure that all 17 hectares used by the enterprise will be irrigated and fenced, while storage facilities will be constructed.
The department will also assist the farmers with water rights application.
Pieters commended the active involvement of young people in the enterprise, noting it will ensure the continuity of the enterprise.
“We urge young people to understand that farming is a credible source of income. We want to motivate you so that this enterprise can reach commercial stages,” Pieters said.
To show their commitment, the members bought two diesel engines that amounted to R500 000 from their produce.
Enterprise Chairperson, Walter Mnqwazi described the department’s investment as a game changer for their enterprise, noting that the youth is now showing interest in joining the enterprise.
“Since the installation of the irrigation system, we have seen a huge difference. We have increased our production, and our income has also increased,” Mnqwazi said.
While serving both the formal and informal market, Mnqwazi said the enterprise has well established ties with Kei Fresh Produce Market.
Local headman, Msindise Mdemka commended the government for the assistance, saying the tools of trade will make an enormous impact in the development of the area.
The MEC also handed over vegetable seedling, fertilisers, and knapsack to assist the enterprise to spread pesticides in their field. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:23
111 views
Eastern Cape intensifies fight against stock theft
Eastern Cape intensifies fight against stock theft
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Rural Development and Agrarian (DRDAR) Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters will on Tuesday kick start the use of the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) as part of efforts to fight stock theft.
LITS is a technology-based ear-tag gadget that government is delivering to 120 cattle farming enterprises across the province. The technology is also part of efforts to strengthen biosecurity measures to improve the international trade of cattle.
As part of this rollout, 30 000 cattle will be ear-tagged for identification and traceability purposes in Tsolo.
The rollout of LITS is a commitment made by Premier Mabuyane during the 2024 State of the Province Address, and as part of implementing an agreement between government and the red meat industry.
LITS will ensure individual animal identification so that livestock owners comply with the Animal Identification Act.
This will improve the prosecution rate of people charged for livestock theft and strengthen biosecurity measures in farms to improve international trade of cattle opportunities.
All ear-tagged animals and identities of their owners are registered onto a central database, where animal movement is recorded to make it easy to trace the animal back to the owner.
Once the system is fully implemented, each animal slaughtered in any abattoir can be traced to where it was farmed, the farming conditions where the animal was farmed, and all animal health practices the animal was exposed to.
This will also make it possible to identify owners of registered animals, thus improving the recovery of stolen animals.
DRDAR is implementing this national policy through collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
Currently, the department has trained and registered more than 250 veterinarians, scientists, animal health technicians and extension advisors to lead the implementation of the system. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:11
580 views
Gauteng government rejects request for public-funding information
GroundUp asked for details of billions of rands in grants the Department of Social Development paid to non-profit organisations
Hundreds left outside in the cold and wet after Dunoon shack fire
On Tuesday afternoon, community leaders were still coordinating relief efforts for fire victims at Doornbach informal settlement in Cape Town
Maluti Municipality challenged to use farmers to stimulate local economy
Maluti Municipality challenged to use farmers to stimulate local economy
Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, has challenged the Matatiele Local Municipality to partner with the farming sector to kick-start the indigent local economy.
Nxesi made the call during an employers’ breakfast session at the Jobs Fair held at the Council Chambers of the Matatiele Local Municipality on Thursday.
Addressing the municipal officials, Nxesi said the farming community in the area was a resource that had potential.
“They are a resource that you can use and pair them with up-and-coming Black farmers. We need people who are ready to farm [and] people who will deal with production and food security. There are farmers who are ready to do that and up-and-coming farmers are willing to learn,” Nxesi said.
To grow the economy, South Africa needs to enter into a dialogue to find a new way to address unemployment, the Minister said, adding that a partnership is critical to renewal of local economies.
He appealed to the municipality to take charge in the running of the local economy and ensure compliance.
“In a partnership there are certain dos and don’ts [and] if we want to take the country out of this misery of unemployment, we need to build partnerships,” Nxesi said.
Small businesses are a pillar of economic growth and employment creation.
Government launched the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) as an intervention to transition job seekers into employment and entrepreneurship.
He challenged the local municipality to champion and manage at least two new cooperations to uplift local entrepreneurs.
The employer’s breakfast session was held in conjunction with the Jobs and Careers Fair held at Maluti Civic Centre in Matatiele.
The two-day Jobs and Careers Fair, which started on Thursday, is aimed at stimulating employment, particularly among the youth.
It is supported by a number of partners, including government departments, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), employers and community organisations.
Hundreds of job seekers are expected to obtain access to information on available jobs, employment counselling and training opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/03/2024 - 12:33
317 views
Hollywood star joins yoga classes for Lavender Hill learners
Lesley-Ann Brandt helped raise money for Levana Primary School
Sustainability blooms at Boschendal with launch of new Werf Food Garden
Boschendal has revealed its newly-transformed and redesigned Werf Food Garden, a further showcase of the historic farm’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its focus on farm-to-table dining. The Werf Food Garden is designed to sustainably enhance Boschendal’s sourcing capacity and ensure fresher, more flavourful produce for the seasonal menus on offer. Everything in the redesigned …
Agricultural hubs create work and hope for hundreds
But Industrial Development Corporation funding for the project in KwaZulu-Natal is coming to an end
Surf & Turf Adventures Await on KZN South Coast
While some people enjoy relaxing by the seaside or splashing in the waves on holiday, others prefer to keep their feet on terra firma, exploring nature reserves, farmlands, or golfing greens. Of course, there are also those who like the best of both worlds, and they’ll find exactly what they’re looking for on the KZN …
Programme to assist KZN small-scale farmers to become sustainable commercial businesses
Programme to assist KZN small-scale farmers to become sustainable commercial businesses
KwaZulu-Natal small-scale farmers have been afforded an opportunity to grow into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic, integrated programme, which will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube led the provincial launch of the Integrated Agricultural Development Programme, where a total of 1 128 tractors, worth R17 million, and other implements were allocated for the small-scale farmers.
During the launch in Richmond on Thursday, Dube-Ncube, together with Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) MEC, Super Zuma, also handed over ownership certificates to community projects.
Dube-Ncube said through this initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen the ability of farming groups to maintain, take responsibility and care for their assets.
She said additional mentorship and mechanisation training will be provided to community projects that are experiencing challenges in their farming activities to ensure self-sufficiency.
“Sustainable mechanisation is critical in the development of value chains and food systems, and through this programme, we are ensuring that even our small-scale farmers are given an opportunity to be competitive.
“They will be able to sufficiently cultivate land, be more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly in their operations,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also emphasised that food security is a priority for the province, and the provincial government remains committed to opening the market for provincial farmers, through government’s Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (IRASET) Programme.
She said the provincial government wants the farmers to be game changers of the market, as per the commitment made during the State of the Province Address to assist farmers to meet demands of the province.
“We want them to supply major markets locally and eventually service cross borders markets and we are ready to assist them to meet any criteria. Today we have officially handed over a cheque and equipment to SyaJay Agricultural Services, a project we are most proud of.
“SyaJay Agricultural Services (Pty) Ltd, is a 100% Black-owned business and the two beneficiaries are graduates of the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture. The project was approved for a total funding of R5.6 million from the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) and 10 hydroponic tunnels, a cooling and irrigation systems have been completed. A mobile pack house will be ready at the end of May,” Dube-Ncube said.
Sya Ngcobo, one of the beneficiaries, said over and above becoming a sustainable business that is making profit, their vision is to create an information hub.
Ngcobo said they partly want to function as a demonstration site, where small-holder farmers would sharpen their skills and gain crucial sectorial knowledge.
“In many instances, you find that some farmers struggle once they have penetrated the market. Even though they may have good quality produce, vegetables do not sell because of incorrect packaging.
“We want to teach our farmers and give them an opportunity to come and see how it is done from the work we will be doing,” Ngcobo said.
Dube-Ncube said the items will at a later stage be distributed to all the districts when champion MECs roll out the programme. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 12:20
180 views
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about hunger
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections
Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged traditional leaders to encourage eligible voters to participate in the May 29 elections, and ensure they are free and fair.
“We will, as a nation, hold the seventh democratic National and Provincial Elections. In this context, traditional leaders should continue to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections,” he said on Tuesday.
The Deputy President, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, delivered a keynote address during a dialogue convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Pretoria.
“We urge traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections and ensure that all voters exercise their democratic right — a right that was hard fought for and must never be taken for granted.”
He also took the time to urge rural leaders to work with the government to address the killings of traditional leaders.
“As an institution located in rural areas, it is important that we collaborate to identify obstacles that are hampering community development, such as the killing of traditional leaders, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
“We encourage amakhosi and izinduna to continue working closely with the government to address this challenge effectively.”
The Deputy President condemned acts of violence and urged the community to serve as government’s eyes and ears by reporting those who conspire or have committed such crimes to the appropriate authorities.
“Our law enforcement agencies are also working hard to hold those responsible to account.”
Land
The country's second-in-command acknowledged the urgent need for the State to expedite its rural development efforts, particularly through the implementation of the InvestRural Master Plan.
The InvestRural initiative enables rural communities to unlock their potential and improve their livelihoods.
“Investing in local economies and land ownership is still critical for rural communities’ development.”
He recognised that land tenure and administration are contentious issues and government will work hard to transfer land ownership to its legitimate owners and sustain rural communities.
“Government has also undertaken to divest itself of the communal land it holds in trust for communities.”
The Deputy President assured leaders that government was prioritising land access for rural development and economic transformation.
“We are finalising the Draft Communal Land Bill and Policy, with consultations underway to solicit input from various sectors, including traditional leaders.”
The documents, according to the Deputy President, will be processed through government structures and the Cabinet for public comments during the 2024/25 financial year.
“We are confident that the Draft Communal Land Rights Bill will facilitate the transfer of government-held communal land to communities. It will also allow for communal land registration and dispute resolution mechanisms.”
He believes that it wais important to optimally utilise the land.
“If we can till the land, the people can fight hunger and poverty through small-scale farming or agricultural start-ups.”
Social issues
During the meeting,Mashatile offered to work with leaders to tackle pressing issues such as substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence.
“GBVF has a negative impact on socio-economic conditions, particularly for women and girls. Therefore, ending this scourge is urgent and critical for our nation's development.
“You must never allow anyone to act violently and abusively against their partners in the name of culture. Together, we must stand firm and say no to all forms of abuse and violence.”
He also touched on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), particularly among adolescent girls and young women.
“As part of our prevention efforts, we must continue to communicate good and compelling messages to young people about delaying the commencement of sexual interactions as much as possible, and when they do begin, having sexually safe relationships and living healthy lifestyles.”
He also encouraged local Houses of traditional leaders to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs.
The Deputy President also took the time to congratulate Kgosi Seatlholo, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, on his recent election as Interim Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction.
“The establishment of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to recognising and valuing the viewpoints and contributions of our traditional leaders.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:10
201 views
Nespresso to invest 20 million USD in DRC to support the coffee growing community and the revival of the specialty coffee
Johannesburg, South Africa, April 2024: Nespresso aims to continue to support the local community and economy by investing 20 million USD spent across coffee purchases, price premiums and technical assistance, by 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), helping to give coffee farmers access to the global markets. The ambition is also to help …
NCC investigates virtual pig farming enterprise
NCC investigates virtual pig farming enterprise
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is investigating the affairs of Piggy Farm Trading, an entity that promotes and sells “virtual pigs".
This was after the Commission received complaints that Piggy Trading Farm might be a multiplication scheme.
Promoted on its website and various social media platforms, Piggy Farm Trading provides potential buyers with two options, buying from the farm and virtual buying and owning.
The second option is processed through what is called digital Metaverse Farming. The entity claims that this option is ‘risk-free’, as they farm on behalf of the participants. This includes feeding, insurance of the pigs, vaccination, and regular cleaning of pigs.
According to Piggy Farm Trading, participants can purchase between one and 50 pigs per annum at R2 200 per pig. Each pig gives its owner a minimum of R500 per month over a year as profit.
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) describes a multiplication scheme as a scheme that promises or guarantees participants an effective annual interest rate, as calculated in the prescribed manner that is at least 20% above the repo rate.
The Commission has warned consumers to exercise caution when dealing with this entity.
“Consumers must be honest with their dealings, as the CPA prohibits any participation, recruitment, joining or promoting a multiplication scheme and other schemes.
“The NCC has noticed a spike in agricultural schemes like this one, which lure participants into joining the scheme and promise high returns. If a consumer buys livestock, they should be able to take possession of that livestock,” said the NCC’s Acting Commissioner.
The latest trends of pyramid schemes, multiplication schemes, and chain letters indicate that the owners have designed these schemes to buy into the idea of “investing” while they (consumers) are participating in prohibited conduct. Consumers are reminded of the dangers of joining, promoting and recruiting others into such schemes. These schemes always collapse and leave consumers out of pocket. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 13:06
518 views
Investing in the future of farming
Agriculture in South Africa is growing. The primary agricultural sector has increased by an average of 7.5% per year since 2008, outpacing the total economy, which grew by 6.6% on average per year over the same period. Despite its relatively small share of the total GDP, primary agriculture is a significant provider of employment, and …
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